419 scam: "From Dr Johnson Ubah"<ack@telefonica.net> I SEEK YOUR ASSISTANCE FOR AS NEXT OF KIN

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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "From Dr Johnson Ubah" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <drjohnsonubah5@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:23:41 +0200
Subject: I SEEK YOUR ASSISTANCE FOR AS NEXT OF KIN

Dr.Johnson Ubah.Global Bank Plc.
ICON House, 6th Floor, Idejo Street,
Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Dear Friend,

I am Dr.Johnson Ubah, Deputy Divisional Head with the Global Bank Plc.I was personal account manager and close confidant to the late Engineer Rafeh ,of your country, who till his death Worked with Willbros an U.S oil Engineering firm here in Nigeria.

On Saturday, 18 February 2006, Engr.Rafeh and Eight (8) other foreign oil workers were abducted by militia groups active in the Niger Delta,On the process of Negotiation by the Federal Government and the Militant Group unfortunately,Engr.Rafeh died,At the time of his death, Engr.Rafeh had a deposit of $15.6 Million which was roceed of a contract work he just concluded with the Nigerian Ports authority. The payment was made with an Eco-bank cheque which I personally cleared.

PLEASE FIND FACT ON THE INFORMATION BELOW.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11765381

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2010/11/16/nigeria-oil-hostages.html

Unfortunately, till this moment no one has come as his relation for his deposit with us. I humbly request your co-operation to this matter so that I can present you as his next of kin or beneficiary to his deposit. It is not a very difficult thing to do especially as you share the same last name with him and it will not take time too. All we need is to change the name and particulars of his next of kin to yours and file in an application for the release of the fund through the Probate Office in your name.

It does not necessarily mean that you must be here to conclude the deal, I may request that the money be sent to Europe or the United States or even to any city near you for payment. Please contact me as quickly as possible and I will like to let you know about the sharing
ratio will be 40%for you 50%for me and 10%to any charity Organization.

Kind regards,
Dr.Johnson Ubah.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam